Smith recognises importance of Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup

06 Sep 2013 11:49

From 2014 onwards, the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup will serve as a leading feeder series to the world of motorcycle racing, aiming to give riders from the Asian region an exciting and formal path into competitive road racing.

'I'm very excited by the launch of the Asia Talent Cup,' says Smith, a consistent top ten finisher in his maiden MotoGP season with Monster Yamaha Tech3. 'It's a very good infrastructure. I've been part of the MotoGP Academy, so I know what this type of opportunity gives to young riders.
It especially helps the transition from a national championship to a World Championship; the way the team is run is very professional, you ride very similar bikes to the World Championship and some of the same tracks as the World Championship.'

'I believe this could be very positive.
Considering the MotoGP Academy was started in 2005 when I was taking part, we can expect within the next five to eight years some really good talent coming out of Asia which is only positive for our World Championship. Like I managed to do, we might be seeing some of those riders coming into MotoGP', so I'm excited and very happy to see this championship starting up.'